Ex Factory – Where Cementa Used To Live
The Cement Factory was an important part of the prosperous development of 20th century Sweden. In the mid 1970’s, competition stiffened and the site was deemed too small to be profitable in the long term. In 1979 the machinery stopped for the last time. Quite a few jobs disappeared, but since small businesses have been thriving in the area in increasing numbers after WW2, most of the workforce found new jobs over time. In just a few years after Cementa closed it’s doors, Paroc opened up manufacturing of stone based wool for insulation and is today the largest employer in Hällekis. Population dropped by about 30% from WW2 up to 1970, and has since stayed pretty much the same. The surrounding landscape including Kinnekulle and lake Vänern offers stunning scenery that show lots of trace of the historic importance of the land around Kinnekulle, including Swedens oldest functioning church Västerplana Kyrka and Husaby, where Swedens first christian king was christened and baptized.
